MEDICAL tech pioneer Sensyne has signed a five-year deal with Great Ormond Street Hospital to access and analyse anonymised patient data in an effort to accelerate research into complex childhood illnesses.
The London-listed and Oxford-based firm, run by biotech entrepreneur Sir Paul Drayson, uses AI and machine-learning software to analyse real-world data in the hunt for new treatments and medicines.
The first project will focus on creating an algorithm to help medics caring for children with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers then intend to develop early warning systems which identify children most at risk, potentially allowing earlier interventions, and software to help monitor how a child is responding to treatment.
Matthew Shaw, chief executive of GOSH, said: “Research into developing new diagnosis and treatments is vital and we are always looking to find ways to improve patient outcomes, while making sure their information is safe and secure.
"Children are at the heart of everything we do and this collaboration is no different. It will offer the potential to use digital innovation to find and develop diagnosis and treatments much faster, not just for GOSH patients but children across the country and internationally.”
Lord Drayson PhD, CEO of Sensyne, said: “GOSH has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure and curation of its data which means we can start work immediately.
“Together we aim to use the power of ethical AI to make a real difference in finding new and better ways to treat rare and complex childhood diseases and in future to develop a world-wide research community using ethical AI to improve the lives of children world-wide."
GOSH will receive £250,000 a year from Sensyne to invest in IT, alongside royalty payments on any future revenues stemming from the research.
